Leah Marajatta Rajala Fraser

Leah Marajatta Rajala Fraser died August 8, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas James Fraser and the oldest of her five sons, Douglas Fitz-Douglas Fraser. 

Lea was also predeceased by her parents Vaino Edward Rajala and Helmi Iona Rajala. 

Leah was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada November 2, 1932. As a child of immigrants from Finland, Lea grew up with one foot in the Old World and one in the New World. A precocious child she grew up fast and upon meeting the love of her life married Douglas when just 17 years old. 

After marrying, Doug and Lea moved to Cleveland, Ohio and it didn’t take long for five boys to be born, practically tumbling out one after another. Lea and her family moved to Roanoke, Virginia in the early 1960s, then to Raleigh, N.C. in 1968. 

Douglas began exploring his Scottish heritage while in Raleigh, but when Doug and Lea moved to Decatur, GA. they became heavily involved in the Atlanta area’s burgeoning Scottish community, including joining the St. Andrews Society, participating at the Stone Mountain Scottish Games, celebrating Scotland’s poet laureate Robert Burn’s birthday every January and hosting many parties annually at their home for their friends. Lea was especially pleased and proud to be become a certified county dance instructor through the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. 

Lea is survived by sons Donald (Julie), Brian (Barbara), Cameron, and Blake (Meridith). She is also survived by Douglas Fitz-Douglas’ wife, Jennifer, and their children, Justin and Tamsin, as well as Lea’s sister Ruth (Kevin) Kerrivan, and their children, niece Lesley and nephew Bradley. 

A private family memorial celebration will be held in November at the Robert Burns Club, a replica of the poet’s home, in Southwest Atlanta. 

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. 

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.